The Cherokee Chronicle
April 2021
Principal's Note
Lamar Families,
The fourth nine weeks is here and the end of the school year is in sight! As I reflect on my first year back with our school community, I am extremely grateful for the patience, dedication, and warm welcome from all stakeholders! I know that we have had a year like no other but also recognize that this has made us stronger as a school. Like all of you, I am looking forward to the near future where we can continue to move safely toward more normalcy and focus on our school's mission of "meeting the educational needs of all students."
Several things to be aware of as we move into April and approach the end of our school year:
1. Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAPs) will start next week April 12 and run through April 28. This state assessment is non-punitive this school year and helps our school gather much needed data for the next school year. This in turn helps up provide the most prescriptive learning for your child. Please plan appointments and other absences outside of these dates. Below are some simple testing tips as we prepare for this assessment.
2. Summer School is shaping up to be our largest program ever. We currently have over a fourth of the building signed up. Remember that we provide breakfast/lunch, bus transportation, ELA/ math remediation and daily physical activity. We will also have field trips and guest speakers. This completely free program is designed to help with pandemic related learning loss in a fun and more laid back manner. Dates are from June 1-28 and daily hours are 8 AM to 2 PM (SACC will also be provided- extra fee). Visit the office if you have not already signed your child up for this program. Below is the flier for this program.
3. Health Updates are below from our Northeast Tennessee Health Department regarding expanded vaccination availability.
Again, thanks for your continued support and as always please feel free to contact the office at 753-1130 if you have questions.
Respectfully,
Mark Merriman, Principal
10 TCAP Testing Tips
1. Provide an opportunity for lots of rest the night before the test.
- Sleep, Sleep, & Sleep = A Healthy Brain
- Have a set bedtime and wake-time.
2. Provide a healthy breakfast
- Less sugar and higher fiber is best
- Protein = long term energy
3. Provide Encouragement
- Encourage your child to work hard
- The test is only one measure of academic performance
4. Make sure your child is on time and at school everyday of the testing window.
- If your child has a fever and vomiting please notify the school of their illness and discuss make up dates.
- Please DO NOT schedule doctors’ appointments during the test date window.
5. Try not to Panic!
- Remind your child not to be scared
- Remind your child not to get frustrated
- Remind them be relaxed = better performance
6. Top Performers…
- Read the test directions
- Read each question carefully
- Fill in the bubbles completely
- Read every possible answer
- Reread when necessary
7. Relax – Don’t Rush!
- Pace to finish but not to hurry
- Rushing increases mistakes
- Do the easy questions first, the difficult ones last
- Don’t spend too much time on one question
- Use any remaining time to check your answers
8. Blow off some steam
- Your child has been sitting most of the day
- They will need to let out a little energy
9. Celebrate!
- Do something to celebrate your child’s hard work and effort
- Show you love them NO matter what the test scores.
10. Test Anxiety
- Share and discuss feelings of anxiety
- Talk about the test in a positive way
- Encourage his/her best efforts
Health Update
NORTHEAST REGION HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
ANNOUNCE COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
BY APPOINTMENT FOR RESIDENTS 16+
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Health Northeast Region county health departments are now booking appointments for individuals aged 16 and up who wish to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. The Northeast Region includes Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins-Church Hill, Hawkins-Rogersville, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington Counties.
The Northeast Region county health departments offer COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment. To book your appointment, visit Vaccinate.tn.gov and click the blue “Proceed to COVID-19 questionnaire” button at the bottom of the page to start your registration. When scheduling appointments by the online portal, make sure to search all locations in the county for appointment availability. Most vaccines are given at sites that are not at the local health department. Please see attachment for vaccine sites. If you need help scheduling your vaccination, please call the Northeast Regional Registration Line at (423) 979-4689. The Registration Line is staffed Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for ages 16 and older. Moderna vaccine is currently authorized for ages 18 and older. Please call the NE Registration Line at (423) 979-4689 to register 16 and 17 year olds for a Pfizer vaccine site.
The Northeast Regional Health Office reminds all residents that in addition to vaccinations, wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance and getting tested when exposed or sick are critical to controlling the pandemic.
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.
New Middle School 9 Square in the Air and Volleyball System
Request for Student Resources
If your child or family needs assistance with hygiene items, clothing, food, school supplies, or other school resources while students are learning remotely, please click the request button below.
Cherokee Reusable Water Bottles for Sale
CDC Guidelines stipulate that water fountains are closed in the school. However, the water bottle refill stations will be open and operate with an automatic ("hands free") sensor. The PTA anticipated this situation and is proud to offer custom Lamar Cherokee water bottles to students for $7. They are available for sell in the office and at the concession stand and are an item on the school-wide supply list. Below are pictures. Call the office with any questions 423-753-1130.
BAND App
Mission, Vision, and Motto
Learning is a process which is cultivated through the collaborative efforts of the school, home, and community.
I am a Cherokee working to be the best that I can be!
Email: merrimanm@wcde.org
Website: https://www.wcde.org/Domain/864
Location: 3261 Highway 81 South, Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA
Phone: 423-753-1130
Twitter: @Lamar_School